“Kenneth Snelson (born June 29, 1927) is a contemporary sculptor and photographer. His sculptural works, composed of flexible and rigid components, are arranged according to the idea called by some (but not Snelson) 'tensegrity'.
Snelson claims that Buckminster Fuller, who was once his professor, took credit for Snelson's discovery of the concept that Fuller named tensegrity. Fuller gave the idea its name, combining 'tension' and 'structural integrity.' The geodesic domes which Fuller popularized are the most commonly known structures whose composition depends on tensegrity.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Snelson
Home page of Kenneth Snelson
http://kennethsnelson.net/

The sculpture of Kenneth Snelson has been an important influence to me personally. My graduate work, way back in the 1970s was in sculpture. The sculpture I was making then, was made from large steel rods and were meant to be placed outdoors. I made these works to incorporate shadows moving around throughout the day, and more importantly to use the steel rods to literally “draw in space.” The works were welded together and were linear and meant to be three-dimensional. Some of these sculptures grew to fifteen feet tall or more. They were essentially made up of the pockets of air that the rods defined. Without getting into a long-winded sermon here, Snelson’s sculpture was a primary influence for me. I had a chance back then to see firsthand some of his work at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, which is part of the Smithsonian Institution. Here is one piece I distinctly remember seeing. http://hirshhorn.si.edu/visit/collection_object.asp?key=32&subkey=12691
My photo feels like it has some of the linear and aesthetic qualities found in Snelson’s sculpture. (My photo is in reality a found pile of tent parts) There is also the connection between Snelson and Buckminster Fuller who was his teacher. I was introduced to Fuller’s dynamic work at the same time as I learned about Snelson. If you don’t recognize the name and work Buckminster Fuller you should take a look as his is a very important inventor of the twentieth century. His work included the geodesic dome. As always thanks for looking.
Double Star, 2001
http://www.marlboroughgallery.com/image_assets/artworks/532/gallery/Double_Star.jpg

Dragon, Kenneth Snelson (American 1927) 2000-03 stainless steel tubing and cable (30.5 x 31 x 12 feet)
http://www.spokaneschools.org/19952091616165647/lib/19952091616165647/snelson-02.jpg

Rainbow Arch (2001)
http://www.artinfo.com/media/image/201617/Rainbow_Arch_large.jpg

Kenneth Snelson, "Needle Tower," 1968
http://www.crispyneurons.com/images/1/15/Needle_tower_vertical.jpg

"Easy Landing."
http://www.childrenshospital.org/dream/DrmRsch04/images/easylanding_big.jpg